Executive Director’s Message – August 2024
In August, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute proudly marks 18 years of dedicated patient care. Since our inception, we have remained steadfast in our mission to advance cancer treatment through a patient-centered approach. We continue our commitment to furthering our expertise, maintaining excellence and upholding the highest standards of quality. These efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for new discoveries and advancements in cancer care, ultimately benefiting our patients and others around the world.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Marks 18 Years of Advancing Patient Care and Clinical Research in Cancer Treatment
August 14, 2024, is the 18th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, commemorating the first day of proton therapy treatments at the state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research center.
Medical Physics Team Studies How to Optimize LET to Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment
September is dedicated to those who lost their lives to prostate cancer as well as those who survived and continue to thrive post-diagnosis. Making cancer treatment better for patients, driving research and innovation at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Prostate Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Pete Gardner
Pete Gardner is a U.S. Navy veteran and was working as a health physicist for the Navy when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. When he found out that radiation was one of the treatment options for prostate cancer, he knew a thing or two about the effects of radiation on the body.
Prostate Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Don Whitaker
Don Whitaker is a self-professed “health nut” and square dance caller who completed radiation treatment for prostate cancer 15 years ago.
Prostate Cancer
Survivor Spotlight: Barry Showalter
Barry Showalter explored other options before choosing proton therapy for high-risk prostate cancer. Barry Showalter is a 10-year prostate cancer survivor who encourages others to not worry if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and to look into proton therapy for their treatment.
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute Awarded ACR Seal
For the fourth consecutive time, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute was awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology by The American College of Radiology (ACR), after undergoing a rigorous review process and meeting nationally accepted standards of care.
Naval Officer Taps Continuing Medical Education at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
A vital part of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is education. In fact, in its nearly 18-year history, the Institute has trained more than 100 people in the field of radiation oncology and proton therapy, including medical students, fellows and visiting physicians and physicists.
Russ Armistead – Health Care CEO Chooses Proton Therapy for Melanoma
When patients complete proton therapy for cancer treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, they ring an 8-foot chime in the main lobby to signify the moment as they transition into cancer survivorship.
Former Patient Awaits His Call to the Big Leagues
You can watch Dylan Simmons strike out player after player from the pitcher’s mound in Dayton, Ohio. He recently transferred to the Dayton Dragons after pitching for a partial season in Daytona Beach, Fla. He has already struck out his toughest opponent – cancer – so this daily feat is no sweat.
Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup
Catch up on the news and developments at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
- Research and Best Practices at Medical and Scientific Conferences
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Dr. Indelicato named an ASTRO Fellow
- Congratulations to Our Physicians
Community Calendar
Mark your calendar and join us when we are in a town near you or online.
For patient events at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, go to For Patients & Families for details.
10th Annual Senior Expo & Health Fair – Nassau County Council on Aging
Location: Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Free Community Event! Join UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and more than 60 community organizations for information about healthcare resources in the area. Find out the benefits of proton therapy for over 20 types of cancer.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
C.A.R.E. Expo 2024 at the Riverside Arts Market
Location: Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
The 2024 C.A.R.E (Clinical Assistance Resources & Expertise) Expo provides our community with a fun and engaging health fair to share a range of cancer-focused and healthcare services provided by UF Health Jacksonville. The UF Health Proton Therapy Team will be joining the Expo at the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) to bring information about proton therapy to the community. Providing patient-focused, research-driven and personalized cancer care to the people who need it most is important to us. We hope you can come out and enjoy this Saturday at RAM!
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org
Proton Therapy for Head & Neck and Skin Cancers – UF Health Jacksonville Coding Department
Location: UF Health Jacksonville
Proton therapy can be a treatment option for many people with head & neck cancers, especially skin cancers on the head and neck. We will be sharing insight into the research around radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with the UF Health Jacksonville coding team.
Are you interested in a presentation for your department or organization? Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K
Location: EverBank Stadium, 1 EverBank Stadium Dr, Jacksonville, FL
Join UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and UF Health Jacksonville teams as we make strides against breast cancer at the annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides of the First Coast 5k walk. We walk to support our family members, friends, and the patients we have had the honor of caring for over the last 18 years. Come on our walk with us, or just enjoy the event festivities! Sign up to join our team and receive event updates at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/UFProtonPinkWarriors.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Join our team at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/UFProtonPinkWarriors.
Prostate Cancer Conference for Patients & Caregivers
Location: The Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Boulevard, The Villages, FL 32163
Join us at this FREE conference for prostate cancer patients and caregivers developed by Jan Manarite and Your Prostate Cancer Help organization. Dr. Curtis Bryant will be answering all your questions about proton therapy as a speaker on the panel discussion about radiation treatment options for the newly diagnosed prostate cancer patient. Dr. Bryant joins an extensive group of prostate cancer experts at this free conference that is dedicated to providing education directly to patients. Patients who have been through proton therapy for prostate cancer will also be available to answer your questions. This is a free event, including a free lunch. Find conference registration info at: https://bit.ly/4deKgSH.
For More Info: Contact Christina Mershell at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
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About This Newsletter
The Precision Newsletter is an electronic-only publication that is distributed by email. Each issue is sent periodically to patients, alumni patients and friends of the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute. As the official newsletter of the Institute, the content is compiled and prepared by our communications
representative and approved by the editor. Special bulletin newsletters may occasionally be prepared when timely topics and new developments in proton therapy occur. If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please click here.